As with the previous generation, the A5 Cabriolet shuns a folding metal roof, instead sticking with an acoustically-lined fabric top featuring one-touch opening at speeds of up to 50 km/h, stowing in 15 seconds and re-deploying in 18 seconds.

Underpinning the A5 Cabriolet is a strengthened chassis that boasts 40 per cent better rigidity than the outgoing model, while being 40kg lighter even with the addition of additional bracing and reinforced sills. Audi claims best in class chassis stiffness for the new model.

Seat belt-mounted microphones for front seat occupants are fitted as standard to improve top-down voice quality, while Xenon headlights, partial leather trim, and a 7.0-inch infotainment display are also standard with LED matrix lighting, dynamic steering, and a head-up display available as options.

European customers will be offered a choice of three engines initially with a 185kW 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder, 140kW 2.0-litre diesel four-cylinder and a 160kW 3.0-litre diesel V6. A 140kW 2.0-litre petrol and 210kW 3.0-litre diesel will also be added.

Acting as the flagship model for the time being (until an even more powerful RS 5 arrives) the S5 Cabriolet uses the same turbocharged 260kW 3.0-litre V6 as the S5 Coupe and Sportback, driving all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic.

European deliveries are slated to begin in March this year, while the wider A5 range is yet to debut in Australia, with the Cabriolet expected to arrive late in 2017 following the hard top models.